Edward Bell Van Buren

Edward Bell “Ned” van Buren, age 96, of Peoria, formerly of Greensboro, NC, passed away 6:55 pm Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Farmington Nursing Home, Farmington, IL. He lived in Peoria for several years during his career.

He was born July 7, 1929, in Ann Arbor, Mi., to James H. and Florence Bell van Buren. His father passed away a few months before Edward was born. Florence remarried Dr. H. Marvin Pollard when Edward was 8 years old. Edward nicknamed "Ned," was a severe problem to his family during his teens.

At age 23, he was drafted and sent as an infantryman to Korea. He met Christ there, an event that changed the course of his life. Upon returning home, he was determined to educate himself, and eventually graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, earning an honorary degree in journalism. He spent his career as an often-recognized Editor of two agricultural magazines, never fully retiring.

He married Ann Elizabeth Miller on Sept. 15, 1979. She survives.

He also conducted mock interviews at Goodwill Industries in Greensboro, with candidates seeking employment opportunities. He received the Governor’s award for outstanding volunteer service in tutoring. In his editorial years, he was presented with the Fluid Fellow Award in recognition of leadership in research and education activities, the latter being a lifetime service award for exceptional contributions to the betterment of the Fluid Fertilizer Industry.

Ned was a member of St. John's Anglican Church in Greensboro, where he sang in the choir with his wife, Ann. He participated in Bible study groups. He traveled to Europe with the Choral Society of Greensboro, to which his wife was a member.

He is survived by his wife, Ann of Peoria, one son, David Miller of Atlanta, GA, one daughter, Mary Ellen (John) Snider of Peoria, one granddaughter, Megan (Declan) Mitchell of East Peoria, one grandson, Matt Snider of Algonquin, IL, one sister-in-law, Pat Colvin of Orchard Lake, MI, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, one son, William Miller, and two brothers: Jim van Buren and Bill Pollard.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Services will be at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, H.M.Pollard Institute, 777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy Suite 650, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 or St. John's Anglican Church, 6722 W Friendly Ave., Greensboro, NC 27410.

Condolences and memories may be shared through the funeral homes website at Woolsey-Wilton.com